Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation Thursday night following confirmation that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) forces had killed Hamas leader Yahya Shinwar, saying a chance for peace had arrived.
Prime Minister Netanyahu began talking about the 101 remaining Israeli hostages, saying that Shinwar's death meant a unique opportunity to free them, and that Israel wanted to use this moment to seek their freedom. He said he would.
Prime Minister Netanyahu also left a message for Palestinians that Sinwar had “destroyed” their lives. Although he pretended to be brave, he was killed when he tried to escape.
“Hamas will no longer rule Gaza,” he added.
To the remaining Hamas terrorists, he said: “Your leaders are on the run and are being killed…Whoever lays down his arms, we will allow him to leave and live. Whoever attacks our troops… , whose blood is on his head.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu added: “I say to the countries of the region: darkness is receding and light is rising. We can find a different future, a peaceful future.”
He concluded with a verse from Psalm (18:38). “I pursued my enemies, overtook them, and never turned back until they were consumed.”
Earlier, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said:
I commend the Israel Defense Forces, the Shin Bet, and the security services for eliminating the greatest terrorist, Yahya Sinwar. Sinwar, the mastermind behind the deadly October 7 attack, is responsible for years of heinous acts of terrorism against Israeli civilians and nationals of other countries, and the killing of thousands of innocent people. It's here. His evil efforts were dedicated to terror, bloodshed, and destabilization in the Middle East.
Now more than ever, we must act at all costs to recover the 101 hostages held in terrible conditions by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
Israeli Defense Minister Job Gallant said:
The State of Israel has brought justice by eliminating Yahya Sinwar, a despicable murderer and terrorist. Yahya Sinwar is a terrorist and a master terrorist who planned and executed the October 7 attacks. [massacre]During that time, so many innocent Israelis were killed, including children, women, and the elderly.
Sinwar's removal joins a long string of removals from Nasrallah to Muhammad Deif. [terrorists]. We will track down and eliminate the enemy.
Sinwar was beaten, persecuted, and died on the run. He died not as a commander, but as a man who thought only of himself. This is a clear message to all our enemies. The IDF will contact anyone who attempts to harm Israeli citizens or security forces and will bring you to justice.
Yahya Sinwar's removal sends a clear message to the families of all fallen soldiers and hostages. We are doing everything we can to find those who harmed your loved ones and free hostages and return them to their families.
This is also a clear message to the people of Gaza. The end has come for the man who brought disaster and death to the Gaza Strip, the man who made you suffer as a result of his brutality. It's time to go, free the hostages, [to those involved in fighting] Raise your hands and surrender. Go out with the hostages, free them, and surrender.
It is my honor to pay tribute to the dedication of IDF soldiers, the Chief of Staff, and the Director of the ISA.
Shinwar was killed by ordinary infantry and armored soldiers in a chance encounter near Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
Joel B. Pollack is a senior editor at Breitbart News. Breitbart News Sunday Sunday nights from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM ET (4:00 PM to 7:00 PM PT) on Sirius XM Patriot. he is the author of Agenda: What should President Trump do in his first 100 days?available for pre-order on Amazon. He is also the author of Trumpian Virtues: Lessons and Legacy of the Donald Trump Presidencynow available on Audible. He is the recipient of the 2018 Robert Novak Journalism Alumni Fellowship. Follow him on Twitter @joelpolak.
